Mike was sitting in his home watching a late-night baseball game when he heard what sounded like someone trying to break into his home. He immediately went to his closet and retrieved his 9mm. Within seconds, two men broke through the door armed with their own guns. Mike quickly shot both men and immediately called law enforcement. When first responders arrived on the scene, both men were pronounced dead. Mike was in shock that he actually was responsible for the death of two men. Within 6 months, Mike was informed that he was being sued by one of the deceased intruder's family members for wrongful death. Mike wondered if his rights would be validated.
Which elements of a crime were not present in the given the scenario?

Question

Mike was sitting in his home watching a late-night baseball game when he heard what sounded like someone trying to break into his home.  He immediately went to his closet and retrieved his 9mm.  Within seconds, two men broke through the door armed with their own guns.  Mike quickly shot both men and immediately called law enforcement.  When first responders arrived on the scene, both men were pronounced dead. Mike was in shock that he actually was responsible for the death of two men.  Within 6 months, Mike was informed that he was being sued by one of the deceased intruder's family members for wrongful death.  Mike wondered if his rights would be validated.
Which elements of a crime were not present in the given the scenario?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this scenario, Mike acted in self-defense, which means the mens rea (criminal intent) was not present, and the attendant circumstances (context of self-defense) justify his actions.

Mike Was Sitting in His Home Watching a Late-Night Baseball